Challenges and games to inspire the next generation of cyber security professionals

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1 Challenges and games to inspire the next generation of cyber security professionals

2 What is CyberStart? CyberStart: a suite of challenges, tools and games designed to introduce children and young adults to the field of cyber security. In the UK and abroad we are facing a significant shortage of trained, skilled cyber security professionals. This is due, in part, to the lack of young people taking an interest in IT and computer security, both as a hobby and as a potential career path. In response to this challenge, SANS Institute has created CyberStart. This exciting and innovative project offers a suite of challenges, tools and games aimed at introducing children and young adults to the field of cyber security, developing their interest and helping them to pursue careers in the sector. SANS is the world's most trusted cyber security training provider. Through CyberStart, SANS is looking to change the face of cyber security for today s young people, presenting it as an exciting, engaging and accessible employment option, whilst also helping government organisations to develop their national cyber security capabilities. As online technologies continue to evolve and cyber criminals become more sophisticated in their methods and approaches, cyber security is rapidly becoming a top global priority. It is crucial that governments and businesses have access to a pool of skilled cyber security professionals in order to keep themselves, their employees and their clients safe. SANS CyberStart introduces children and young adults to: Linux Programming Web Attacks Binary Attacks Cryptography Forensics TOP SECRET SANS is looking to change the face of cyber security for today s young people

3 How is CyberStart different? In order to captivate and inspire young people, you need to think differently. SANS has therefore applied gamification principles and game-design techniques in developing CyberStart. The challenges are accessible to those without any pre-existing cyber security knowledge and can span various age, difficulty and skill levels, depending on requirements. As the candidates move through the challenge levels, they are driven forward by engaging narratives, focused on encouragement and praise. The challenges provide context of the day-to-day activities of the modern cyber security professional, tackling everything from Linux to cryptography and programming to forensics. Attempts to simply repackage adult learning techniques for young people can cause alienation and loss of interest. CyberStart uses language and ideas that children and young adults identify with; challenging concepts requiring common sense and analytical skills, but that also promote enjoyment and genuine interest in the subject matter. Everything from Linux to cryptography and programming to forensics

4 What CyberStart offers The CyberStart package is flexible, adaptable and able to be tailored to an organisation's individual needs and requirements. Among the elements that SANS offers are: PRE-SELECTION GAMES So far sent out to thousands of children and teenagers, CyberStart pre-selection consists of mini games, questions and aptitude tests. Results can be used to streamline those invited to subsequent phases. CYBERSTART CAMPS Candidates play a locally deployed version of the CyberStart game at chosen sites. ONLINE GAME CAPABILITIES With over 90 hours of online content, candidates are able to log in from remote locations and play the CyberStart game. CAPTURE THE FLAG COMPETITIONS Whole day events at which candidates take part in competitive challenges. Previous winners have been offered career-enabling prizes such as scholarships and funding for further training.

5 How to get involved The CyberStart game and its components are flexible to fit the needs of individual organisations. SANS' dedicated team will work with you to meet your requirements and ensure that you get the most out of the CyberStart programme, whether you are simply looking to raise awareness of cyber security or inspire the next generation of cyber security experts. If you have any questions about SANS CyberStart, would like to receive further information or register your interest, please Praise for other SANS programmes: Exceptional. There s no other word for it. We were able to completely immerse ourselves in the learning and I think that s one of the strongest points. The industry is looking at response as much as prevention... we all now feel confident contributing to organisations looking to fill their cyber skills gap. The greatest opportunity I've ever had in my life.

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